do i need a pittman arm - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

frostedlucky · 03-03-2003, 04:55 PM

in my 81 gmc if i go with a 4" lift is it neccisary that i put in a new pitman arm or will 4 inches still be safe?

**Yukon Jack** · 03-03-2003, 06:13 PM

When I initially did a 4" lift I didn't put on the dropped drag link that I had purchased for about 6 months. I never felt it was unsave but I was very pleased when I did put it on. Got rid of all bump steer.

Mike C · 03-04-2003, 12:13 PM

There are 3 ways to modify stock steering on the GM trucks. The first should be a steering arm if running a 4" lift. Then you can do either the drop drag link or drop pitaman arm. But the steering arm is the cheapest most common route.

BLAZIN'72 · 03-04-2003, 05:17 PM

To correctly lift a solid axle General Motors vehicle, it is important to achieve the correct drag link angle. Most vehicles can be lifted 2" and maintain the correct angle. Lifts over 2" increase the distance between the link’s two attaching points causing the vehicle to "wander". These adverse angles also can cause premature wear on other steering components shortening their life expectancy. The most common way to correct this angle is by using a replacement steering arm. One ton vehicles will achieve better results with a dropped pitman arm. Additionally, the factory drag link can be replaced with an adjustable drag link with either 2" or 4" of drop depending on the amount of lift. 2" and 3" steering blocks are also available for Dana 44 and Dana 60.

BLAZIN'72 · 03-04-2003, 05:20 PM

By the way that info is off the rocky mountain suspension website. I didn't want any one to think i wrote that drible myself.

**JIMs70GMC** · 03-04-2003, 07:11 PM

I put on a 2" drop pitman arm with my 3" of lift and noticed a better "feel" to the steering. Drove my truck for about 2 months with the lift and drag link at an angle. Definetly use a steering arm for 4" of lift (cheapest way to go).

gmcbob · 03-05-2003, 10:38 PM

I agree with everyone else. I bought my '87 with a 4" lift with the stock steering arm still on it - I washaving to "drive" the truck way too much when going down the road. The new steering arm (though a pain to replace) really tightened everything up. Drives great now

Hope this helps

03-03-2003, 04:55 PM	#1
frostedlucky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: kamloops,bc,canada Posts: 1	do i need a pittman arm in my 81 gmc if i go with a 4" lift is it neccisary that i put in a new pitman arm or will 4 inches still be safe? __________________ frostedlucky

03-03-2003, 06:13 PM	#2
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,686	When I initially did a 4" lift I didn't put on the dropped drag link that I had purchased for about 6 months. I never felt it was unsave but I was very pleased when I did put it on. Got rid of all bump steer. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

03-04-2003, 12:13 PM	#3
Mike C Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX, USA Posts: 7,727	There are 3 ways to modify stock steering on the GM trucks. The first should be a steering arm if running a 4" lift. Then you can do either the drop drag link or drop pitaman arm. But the steering arm is the cheapest most common route. __________________ 44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax

03-04-2003, 07:11 PM	#6
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I put on a 2" drop pitman arm with my 3" of lift and noticed a better "feel" to the steering. Drove my truck for about 2 months with the lift and drag link at an angle. Definetly use a steering arm for 4" of lift (cheapest way to go). __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

03-05-2003, 10:38 PM	#7
gmcbob Registered User Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 57	I agree with everyone else. I bought my '87 with a 4" lift with the stock steering arm still on it - I washaving to "drive" the truck way too much when going down the road. The new steering arm (though a pain to replace) really tightened everything up. Drives great now Hope this helps __________________ Bob 1978 GMC Sierra Classic K15 Shortbed, 350/350/NP203, 31's on Rally's, Restored to Stock Condition. Two-tone Russett Metallic / Buckskin. 1987 GMC Sierra Classic V1500, Longbed, 350 TBI, NP205, 33’s on Chrome Spoke with 4” Suspension Lift. Black. 2014 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax Crewcab

03-04-2003, 05:17 PM	#4
BLAZIN'72 Active Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ontario,CA. Posts: 108	To correctly lift a solid axle General Motors vehicle, it is important to achieve the correct drag link angle. Most vehicles can be lifted 2" and maintain the correct angle. Lifts over 2" increase the distance between the link’s two attaching points causing the vehicle to "wander". These adverse angles also can cause premature wear on other steering components shortening their life expectancy. The most common way to correct this angle is by using a replacement steering arm. One ton vehicles will achieve better results with a dropped pitman arm. Additionally, the factory drag link can be replaced with an adjustable drag link with either 2" or 4" of drop depending on the amount of lift. 2" and 3" steering blocks are also available for Dana 44 and Dana 60.

03-04-2003, 05:20 PM	#5
BLAZIN'72 Active Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Ontario,CA. Posts: 108	By the way that info is off the rocky mountain suspension website. I didn't want any one to think i wrote that drible myself.

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